4. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
He’s got two Super Bowl rings. He’s coming off the most prolific passing season of his career. He’s got a new contract and lots of weapons on offense, but his defense is mediocre. less

4. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
He’s got two Super Bowl rings. He’s coming off the most prolific passing season of his career. He’s got a new contract and lots of weapons on offense, but his defense is ... more

6. Philip Rivers, Chargers
Another veteran quarterback who got a monster raise in the offseason. He deserves it because he can still play. He’s a dynamic leader who has a knack for bringing his team from behind. less

6. Philip Rivers, Chargers
Another veteran quarterback who got a monster raise in the offseason. He deserves it because he can still play. He’s a dynamic leader who has a knack for bringing his team from ... more

7. Russell Wilson, Seahawks
He was finally rewarded financially for reaching back to back Super Bowls. He’s got one ring and should have two. Another is a real possibility. He’s been superb as a starter.

7. Russell Wilson, Seahawks
He was finally rewarded financially for reaching back to back Super Bowls. He’s got one ring and should have two. Another is a real possibility. He’s been superb as a starter.

9. Drew Brees, Saints
He’s got a Super Bowl ring and a high cap figure. He threw too many interceptions last season. He wants to finish his remarkable career in New Orleans, but he’ll have to make less money. less

9. Drew Brees, Saints
He’s got a Super Bowl ring and a high cap figure. He threw too many interceptions last season. He wants to finish his remarkable career in New Orleans, but he’ll have to make less ... more

11. Matthew Stafford, Lions
The former first overall pick has always had a great arm, but he’s never been blessed with a compatible running game. He’s been in the playoffs twice, including last season.

11. Matthew Stafford, Lions
The former first overall pick has always had a great arm, but he’s never been blessed with a compatible running game. He’s been in the playoffs twice, including last season.

14. Andy Dalton, Bengals
He’s been splendid in the regular season, leading the Bengals to the playoffs in each of his four years. But until he wins a playoff game, he won’t get the respect he deserves.

14. Andy Dalton, Bengals
He’s been splendid in the regular season, leading the Bengals to the playoffs in each of his four years. But until he wins a playoff game, he won’t get the respect he deserves.

15. Carson Palmer, Cardinals
The former No. 1 overall pick in the draft has a 14-2 record in his past 16 games. He’s overcome two major knee injuries. He’s found a home working with coach Bruce Arians.

15. Carson Palmer, Cardinals
The former No. 1 overall pick in the draft has a 14-2 record in his past 16 games. He’s overcome two major knee injuries. He’s found a home working with coach Bruce Arians.

16. Cam Newton, Panthers
The first overall pick in the 2011 draft has helped the Panthers win two division titles. He was rewarded with a huge contract during the offseason. He’s improving as a passer.

16. Cam Newton, Panthers
The first overall pick in the 2011 draft has helped the Panthers win two division titles. He was rewarded with a huge contract during the offseason. He’s improving as a passer.

18. Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins
He hasn’t missed a start in four seasons. He’s improved each season. In 2014, he threw 27 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions. This could be his year to reach elite status.

18. Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins
He hasn’t missed a start in four seasons. He’s improved each season. In 2014, he threw 27 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions. This could be his year to reach elite status.

19. Colin Kaepernick, 49ers
After leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl, he was hailed as the next great quarterback. Last season’s slippage caused his stock to drop, but he could repair his reputation this season. less

19. Colin Kaepernick, 49ers
After leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl, he was hailed as the next great quarterback. Last season’s slippage caused his stock to drop, but he could repair his reputation this ... more

Photo: Tony Avelar, Associated Press

19. Colin Kaepernick, 49ers
After leading the 49ers to a Super... Photo-8641476.117053 - Houston Chronicle

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20. Marcus Mariota, Titans
Enthusiasm must be tempered after his magnificent debut at Tampa Bay with four touchdown passes. He's the first quarterback in history to have a perfect rating in his first start.

20. Marcus Mariota, Titans
Enthusiasm must be tempered after his magnificent debut at Tampa Bay with four touchdown passes. He's the first quarterback in history to have a perfect rating in his first start.

22. Sam Bradford, Eagles
After each of his last two seasons ended early with torn ACLs, Chip Kelly wanted him in Philadelphia. He survived the opening loss at Atlanta, but he’s got to stay healthy.

22. Sam Bradford, Eagles
After each of his last two seasons ended early with torn ACLs, Chip Kelly wanted him in Philadelphia. He survived the opening loss at Atlanta, but he’s got to stay healthy.

Photo: John Bazemore, Associated Press

22. Sam Bradford, Eagles
After each of his last two seasons... Photo-8641473.117053 - Houston Chronicle

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23. Jay Cutler, Bears
In his 10th season, he’s still got the impressive arm. He can still move around when he has to. He’s outlasted Vince Young and Matt Leinart, but he’s never met the lofty expectations. less

23. Jay Cutler, Bears
In his 10th season, he’s still got the impressive arm. He can still move around when he has to. He’s outlasted Vince Young and Matt Leinart, but he’s never met the lofty ... more

28. Derek Carr, Raiders
Carr, who was injured in Week 1 but is expected to tough it out and play this week, had a sound rookie season throwing a lot of short passes between the 20s and excelling in the red zone. less

28. Derek Carr, Raiders
Carr, who was injured in Week 1 but is expected to tough it out and play this week, had a sound rookie season throwing a lot of short passes between the 20s and excelling in the red ... more

29. Tyrod Taylor, Bills
One game doesn’t make a season or a career, but his 14-for-19, 195-yard debut was a good start. The most impressive thing is that he didn’t throw an interception.

29. Tyrod Taylor, Bills
One game doesn’t make a season or a career, but his 14-for-19, 195-yard debut was a good start. The most impressive thing is that he didn’t throw an interception.

Photo: Gary Wiepert, Associated Press

29. Tyrod Taylor, Bills
One game doesn’t make a season or a... Photo-8641466.117053 - Houston Chronicle

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30. Jameis Winston, Buccaneers
He was badly outplayed in his debut against Tennessee’s Marcus Mariota, but he’s a third-year sophomore draftee who’s going to experience a lot of ups and downs as a rookie. less

30. Jameis Winston, Buccaneers
He was badly outplayed in his debut against Tennessee’s Marcus Mariota, but he’s a third-year sophomore draftee who’s going to experience a lot of ups and downs as a ... more

32. Josh McCown/Johnny Manziel, Browns
McCown (13) is a solid backup who was 1-11 as a starter at Tampa Bay last season. Manziel’s rookie season was a disaster on and off the field. He’s going to get a chance to show what he can do. less

32. Josh McCown/Johnny Manziel, Browns
McCown (13) is a solid backup who was 1-11 as a starter at Tampa Bay last season. Manziel’s rookie season was a disaster on and off the field. He’s going to get a ... more